1 no PSU cover, 2 mod.add 120mm fan, 3 getting Phantom500

jonjanApr 30, 2006, 7:09 PM

Note- this thread went thru changes... first idea was to remove the cover of my PSU. Then for safety reasons, the idea was changed to cutting holes in the PSU cover to add a 120mm fan, then for safety reasons again (EMI, electrucution, etc) i bought an ANtec Phantom 500. I'll share some pics of it and my system in my site page ... http://helpusall.com/computer.html..............................................................................

i have an OCZ PowerStream 520.

it's fans are currently the loudest parts in my computer, so i want to quiet them. :wink:

i thought of removing the top cover on the PSU, so the heat can dissipate easier. The two 92mm fans could be removed and a single slow 120mm fan added to handle the heat. I'd have the PSU in a wooden case open at the top, and separated by wood from all other components.

Aside from risks of electrocution 8O , voiding the warranty, or the obvious chance of causing damage... are there any ideas about this?

has it been done before?is there electrical radiation harmful to be near? interference with the mobo/drives/etc? :?:

Yes I would worry about electroshocking yourself... also PS's can get quite hot I dont think I would go with wood, I know wood is awsome in its sound damping ability but it also tends to hold in heat. The idea about replaceing your fans with a larger slower moving move is a sound idea ! (might try this myself) I wish you best of luck ! and let us know how you do

PS I think a wood computer case with some dremel carved stuff would look awesome !

yes, i'm planning to have the cpu in a separate section of the wood case, with the top of that section open to the room.

My main questions are if i might be harmed by any EM radiation? and if the other components might be? I doubt the componenats are at risk, because the 5/8" thick wood separating them should be enough shielding. So I'm mostly curious how the radiation will affect me, 4 feet away.

Actually I just build my system yesterday, so i can share some photos i already have..photos

Don't worry about radiation. I'd be worried about electrocution or....something getting into th exposed PSU. Have you measured temps in the case/PSU? You could try undervolting the fans if there are no major heat issues. Your best bet would be to go to a quieter PSU - a Seasonic S12 series. If you haven't voided your warranties, then you could probably get a decent amount of cash for that PSU.

it's fans are currently the loudest parts in my computer, so i want to quiet them. :wink:

i thought of removing the top cover on the PSU, so the heat can dissipate easier. The two 92mm fans could be removed and a single slow 120mm fan added to handle the heat. I'd have the PSU in a wooden case open at the top, and separated by wood from all other components.

Aside from risks of electrocution 8O , voiding the warranty, or the obvious chance of causing damage... are there any ideas about this?

has it been done before?is there electrical radiation harmful to be near? interference with the mobo/drives/etc? :?:

thanks ..

I would recommend against this.

Wood does not provide EM shielding.

But shielding aside it is not a good idea.

You would be better off purchasing new 92mm fans or modifying the existing fans to draw less voltage ( you can just use Potentiometers ).

there are some items that i need to learn more about... i want to see if i can resolve the issues.. (deleted)

ADD - okay, i decided not to do this. Thank You for everyone's thoughts, especially linux_0 for sharing cautions in depth. i actually almost electrocuted myself a few months ago, by an un-smart grounding cord 8O kind of sobers me to think about it

hmm, the idea that electrocution is possible deserves attention. risk of bodily death is a pretty big risk. even if the chances are slim, all it requires is me to slip or make an accident and it could be very Real.

Okay, i'm changing this idea into cutting a hole in the top for a 120mm fan, and using the cover. The heat won't dissipate as efficiently, but it will help me keep my soul in my body.

there are some items that i need to learn more about... i want to see if i can resolve the issues.. (deleted)

ADD - okay, i decided not to do this. Thank You for everyone's thoughts, especially linux_0 for sharing cautions in depth. i actually almost electrocuted myself a few months ago, by an un-smart grounding cord 8O kind of sobers me to think about it

hmm, the idea that electrocution is possible deserves attention. risk of bodily death is a pretty big risk. even if the chances are slim, all it requires is me to slip or make an accident and it could be very Real.

Okay, i'm changing this idea into cutting a hole in the top for a 120mm fan, and using the cover. The heat won't dissipate as efficiently, but it will help me keep my soul in my body.

putting the cpu and psu in a case, means more heat build-up, and louder fans to remove that heat. my ears are sensitive and i want a computer that i can't hear. I figure that if the CPU/cnps9500 can be cooled with a fan running silent, then the PSU likely can too.

a neat idea is to attach a Scythe Ninja onto the PSU heatsinks, to really make the cooling more efficient, but a silent 120mm seems easier.

buying something and just using it is Nowhere as fulfilling as being a co-creator

at the time i bought the PSU, i decided on the OCZ because of the adjustable rails, and I believed it would be 'silent' Since then, i've learned that people mean different things when they say 'silent' To me 'silent' means when it can't be heard, when there are no other sounds around.

why didnt u buy the Antec Phantom 500?, fanless, and if that was a problem get 2, much safer

After thinking about the EMI and the safety certifications, and the thickness of the psu cover...I have to admit I really have no idea what mods would be safe. I'd need to have electrical wisdom to start to have an idea of what is safe to mod on a 520watt PSU.

I just ordered the Antec Phantom 500 thanks for this suggestion to get me thinking...

why didnt u buy the Antec Phantom 500?, fanless, and if that was a problem get 2, much safer

After thinking about the EMI and the safety certifications, and the thickness of the psu cover...I have to admit I really have no idea what mods would be safe. I'd need to have electrical wisdom to start to have an idea of what is safe to mod on a 520watt PSU.

I just ordered the Antec Phantom 500 thanks for this suggestion to get me thinking...

if u need more power get a 2nd phantom or get the thermaltake 350w fanless

why didnt u buy the Antec Phantom 500?, fanless, and if that was a problem get 2, much safer

After thinking about the EMI and the safety certifications, and the thickness of the psu cover...I have to admit I really have no idea what mods would be safe. I'd need to have electrical wisdom to start to have an idea of what is safe to mod on a 520watt PSU.

I just ordered the Antec Phantom 500 thanks for this suggestion to get me thinking...

use the 500w to power up the components tha tuse lot sof power, CPU/mobo, VGA cards. use the 2nd PSU to power the rest of the Harddrives etc.

also the phantom DOES comes with an 80mm fan, its a very silent fan, very and there is a setting on the PSU that will allow u to set it to turn on when the PSU hits 55*C, which is amazingly hot but the PSU will run under 55*C fine after 55*C the fan will need to kick in, if th ePSU will be lying in the open the fan shouldnt bother u.

set the slider thing on the PSU to 3 if u dont OC or game alot., i think 2 should be fine if u leave it outside a case

I'm going to have this PSU sitting on top of the case, and even with airspace underneath most of it... so it seems unlikely the ambient can reach 91*F around it. the psu should arrive friday or saturday, so i'll post back how hot/cool it runs..